p. 120 | The Annual Meeting by Editor

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Apr 10, 1879

The Annual Meeting.

By Editor

It will be expected that we say a few words about this meeting. The attendance was quite small—not nearly as large as we hoped it would be. We sent letters to several whom we were anxious to see here; we wished to have as many as possible examine our work as now in progress. The stock was unusually well represented.

There was perfect harmony in all the proceedings, and the information given concerning the working of the Office and the instructions under which the council are acting, were well received. The Board of Directors heartily indorsed what has been done, and what is being done, to place the establishment on a proper basis; not merely in regard to money matters, but as a place where angels may watch over and guard us,—where faithfulness shall characterize every part of the work.

It has been, and shall be, our effort to have infused into the employees a spirit of consecration. In this direction real progress has been made. Individuals are greatly encouraged and rejoicing because of the aid which they have received in their being instructed as to the correct methods of laboring, and counseled and advised in regard to their spiritual interests.

In one thing we were much disappointed. It has been a custom—a very unfortunate one—with those coming to the Annual Meeting, even though they were Directors, to make arrangements to return home immediately after the transaction of the main business of the meeting. We did hope to retain the Directors until some steps had been taken toward securing the payment of the pledges, in whole or in part, that the Office might be able to meet the demands which will be made upon it for the next three months. But in this we did not succeed. It does not afford much relief to be told that they “did not know what to do;” for those upon whom the burden of care must fall so heavily,—who are laboring day and night to stop and prevent “the leaks” which were pointed out in the Testimony to the Office, and to maintain the reputation of the work in this city and upon this Coast, are much in the same condition—they do not know what to do under such circumstances.

But we mistake in this statement :—they know what to do. The Lord has heretofore heard their prayers and brought them safely through trying hours. They know that they must trust, and in fervent prayer seek help from God when all other help fails. The outlook for the coming three months is not cheering; but we will hope. If we can struggle through the next three months without injury to the business reputation of the institution, we think after that our burdens will be comparatively light.

The means invested has been well appropriated here. Counting the real estate at cost as purchased four years ago, the Office is worth $41,350.14, above all its liabilities. If those who have pledged, or those who have means to place here on deposit, will come to the rescue now, it will soon be in a condition to free itself from its liabilities, and to publish the truth to any extent required. We ask the prayers of all who love the precious cause for which we are laboring.